Ancient Rome Geography Ancient Rome's geography was in many ways the secret of its future success so much so that even Roman writers, including Cicero, recognized how fortunate the choice had been.
What is particularly interesting is that Rome, at odds with most other Italian cities, is built on a relatively low ground rather than on a dominating high ground. The lowest point of the city is at thePantheon (approx 13m above sea level). The highest is Monte Mario hill (120 m asl).
An interesting comparison may be had with the geography of ancient Pompeii which although close to the sea was essentially built on the side of a mountain on a spur of lava flow with a dominant position over the sea and the river Sarno.
Perhaps Rome's location has more in common with ancient Etruscan cities which, like Rome, relied on their access to the sea for international trade. It is Rome's proximity to the sea which explains the relatively low height above sea level, the Tiber river's meandering bends and the marshy nature of the land.
The marshes meant that the first inhabitants tended to congregate on the steep hills which had been cut out by erosion.